Book your float, or just ask Matt
Book online in about two minutes, or send your date, group size, and preferred float window and we'll reply with availability. Private wooden boat trips on the Yellowstone River, late May through October.
You'll be talking to Matt, not a call center
Matt Swan owns and rows the boats. Whichever way you reach out, he's the one who answers and the one you'll meet at the river.
Five things and we can confirm your float
Include these in your text or email and you'll usually get a yes-or-no on availability in one reply.
- Your date, or a couple of options
- Group size, with ages of any kids
- Preferred window: morning, midday, or evening
- Whether you'd like a food board or sandwiches
- Where you're staying, so we can suggest the best timing
Online booking shows live availability for all three windows and lets you add food and notes in one step.
One private boat. One simple price.
Every float is private, so you're never sharing the boat with strangers. The base rate covers up to three guests; add up to three more at a flat per-person rate.
- 20 ft classic wooden dory and licensed guide
- About two hours on the water, timed to your window
- Cooler, ice, bottled water, and soft drinks
- Blankets, dry storage, and all required safety gear
- Bring your own beer or wine; we bring the glasses
Private Scenic Float
Three steps, then we handle the rest
Pick a window
Choose a morning, midday, or evening float. Each has a flexible start, and we'll fine-tune the exact time with you.
Add your guests and food
The base rate covers three. Add guests four through six at $185 each, and request a food board or sandwiches if you'd like.
Get your meeting details
After booking, we send the launch, the meeting time, and what to bring. We choose the river section for the day's flows and weather.
Morning, midday, or evening
Same private boat, same stretch of river. Pick the light and the schedule that suit your day.
Families · wildlife · coffeeMorning Float
Soft light and cool air. Done by late morning with the rest of the day open.
Book a morning →
Travel days · lunch on the waterMidday Float
Easiest fit between Bozeman and Yellowstone. Add the afternoon board and it becomes lunch.
Book a midday →
Couples · best lightEvening Float
Golden light on the Absarokas, cooler temperatures, dinner afterward.
Book an evening →
Afternoon board · served on the boat
Boards and sandwiches, ordered 48 hours ahead
Food is optional and priced separately from the boat. Order when you book or text us at least two days before your float.
Deposits, weather, and the fine print
Deposit
A deposit may be required to hold your date. The remaining balance is due before or on the day of the trip, depending on how the booking is set up.
Cancellation
Deposits are refundable up to 30 days before your trip. Inside 30 days, deposits may be forfeited unless the date is rebooked. If it is rebooked, your deposit is refunded.
Weather & river
Trips are weather and river dependent. If conditions are unsafe or clearly not suitable for a scenic float, we reschedule, or refund if no good option exists. Light weather can still make a very good float.
Meeting point
We match the river section, launch, and timing to the day's flows and your group. Exact meeting details are sent after booking.
Montana Conservation License
Montana may require recreational site users age 12 and older to hold a Conservation License for certain river access. If it applies to your trip, we'll tell you before the float.
Buy through Montana FWPMobility & comfort
Share any mobility, medical, or comfort concerns ahead of time so we can choose the gentlest access point and set the boat up properly for your group.
Included, not included, and what to bring
Included
- Classic 20 ft wooden dory
- Licensed Montana guide
- Cooler, ice, bottled water, soft drinks
- Blankets and dry storage for small items
- All required safety gear and life jackets
Not included
- Guide gratuity (15–20% is common)
- Alcoholic beverages
- Personal clothing or rain gear
- Montana Conservation License, if required
- Food boards and sandwiches (optional add-ons)
What to bring
- Layers and a light jacket, even in July
- Sunglasses, hat, sunscreen
- Comfortable shoes; you stay dry
- Camera or phone
- Your favorite beverages
Common questions
How do I book a scenic float?
Use the online booking button, text or call (406) 224-8972, or email swanmatt@yahoo.com. Share your date, group size, and preferred float window.
How much does the trip cost?
The base price is $595 for up to 3 guests. Guests 4 through 6 are $185 per person, with a maximum of 6 guests per boat.
How long is the float?
Plan on about two hours on the water, sometimes a bit longer depending on river flows, weather, and the section we choose.
What start times are available?
Morning floats start around 9:30 AM, midday around 12:30 PM, and evening around 4:30 PM. Each has a flexible start window, and we confirm the exact time with you.
Can we bring alcohol?
Yes. Guests are welcome to bring beer, wine, or other favorite drinks. We provide cooler space, ice, and glasses.
Can we add food?
Yes. Morning boards, afternoon boards, and sandwiches may be available. Food orders should be placed at least 48 hours in advance.
Are sandwiches always available?
No. Sandwiches are available for midday and evening floats Tuesday through Saturday only, when timing and vendor availability allow. They are not available for morning floats, Sundays, or Mondays.
Is this safe for kids?
Yes, when conditions are appropriate. Life jackets and safety gear are provided for everyone. Tell us the ages of the kids when booking so we can plan the boat setup.
What happens if the weather is bad?
If conditions are unsafe or clearly not suitable, we reschedule, or refund if no good option exists. Light weather can still make for a good float, but safety and comfort come first.
Can we fish and float on the same day?
Yes. Montana Classic Boat Tours pairs with Swan's Fly Fishing for hybrid days where one boat fishes and the scenic wooden boat floats the same general stretch.
Where do we meet?
The meeting location depends on river flows, the section we choose, and the time of day. We send meeting details after booking.
How much should I tip the guide?
Gratuity is not included and never required. If you had a great day, 15 to 20 percent of the trip cost is a common range.
Swan's Fly Fishing runs the rods
Swan's Fly Fishing handles the guided fly fishing side and works alongside Montana Classic Boat Tours when a group wants a hybrid river day with both anglers and non-anglers.
If part of your group wants to fish and part wants the scenic wooden boat, see how both programs run on the same stretch of water.
Fishing + scenic · same river, same day
Book online, or text Matt your date
Send your date, group size, preferred window, and whether you'd like food. You'll hear back the same day in season.